We had a great time but we're very limited with what we could do due to cruising with a child under 5 years old. The kids clubs would not allow him in and we couldn't experience the port of call as they wouldn't allow us off the ship without booking a bubble tour through the cruise line and we didn't want to go on the solitary option they offered. There were very few family entertainment options offered and I probably wouldn't choose Carnival next time until they change some of their children and family policies.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The entire process was smooth and painless as possible. They even allowed us to run back out to our car to grab something we'd forgotten after we'd checked in. Our port arrival time was 10 o'clock, but they didn't start boarding until around noon. This left us an hour or so after check in to wait in the port. Just keep this in mind when you book your arrival time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Very hit or miss. MDR has improved over previous sailings, but some of the food quality (steaks, mainly) was low without upgrading to the upcharge menu. The buffet was very bad. Everything was stone cold and even breakfast was a no from me. The quick service food was mainly good though, with the pleasant surprise that the deli sandwich place was included in price!
Alchemy Bar
5 out of 5
Love Alchemy Bar, just very, very crowded when we attempted to go. Expect a wait, but it's worth it.
BlueIguana Cantina
5 out of 5
Excellent for a quick taco or full lunch if you prefer. Great location. Prefer this over the buffet.
Big Chicken
5 out of 5
Very good and quick. Would recommend just about everything. Try it at least once for a quick pick up.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We were cruising with our 4 year old. There were not a lot of family oriented activities, especially at night, and he was bored most of the time. The kids club would not allow him in either. The splash pad area was small and the water was really cold. He did not tolerate it for long. Mini golf and the exercise equipment were a hit though!!
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Nothing family oriented that kept our kids interest. The dance parties on deck were fun though. My wife and I would have enjoyed the shows and comedy acts. It was tough traveling with young ones on Carnival and other parents we spoke with echoed my sentiments.
Children's Programs
1 out of 5
Read my comment above about Camp Ocean and the lack of family entertainment. Probably wouldn't cruise with Carnival again with young children and would advise against it unless they change their policies.
Camp Ocean
1 out of 5
The staff were amazing. My problem is with Carnival. They are the only cruise line that will not accept children under 5 years old as they are considered unvaccinated (even though it's impossible to get them vaccinated). We knew this going in though and accepted our fate with our 4 year old. Just know that there aren't a whole lot of family oriented activities on board, especially at night.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff really go out of their way to make sure you enjoy yourself. Everyone made us feel special. Excellent service!
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
OMG, how frustrating trying to find your way around the lower decks of this ship! So many people were frustrated and lost trying to navigate the labyrinth that is the Radiance. Plus the fact that you have to pass through the smoky casino or the buffet dining hall to get from one half of the ship to the other? Poorly laid out.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were very fortunate to be able to have an ocean suite. Plenty of room for 2 adults and a 4 year old. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom had a full, jacuzzi tub and was hotel sized. There was a room dedicated for preparing for the evening, and the verandah was large. The only drawback was the cold out bed was very hard and the location of the television was poor.
Ship tip
Be prepared to navigate up and down floors in order to get forward and aft. Also, know ahead of time that traveling with young children will be difficult as there's not much to keep them entertained.
This was the smoothest time I've had getting off a ship. It helped that we stayed in a suite as we were allowed to wait in the MDR until our checked luggage was ready in the port. Pro tip: Get and tip a baggage porter and you jump to the front of the line at customs.
I clearly did do my research and knew the kids club wouldn't be available for my son going in (please read my entire review before commenting). I'm stating these facts for others that may not be aware. Carnival is the ONLY cruise line that doesn't open their facilities to children that are ineligible to recieve vaccination and they don't offer much entertainment that your children would find that amusing, especially at night. Consider those things before booking with Carnival with your family. We still had a good time, but could have had a better time on a different cruise line that had more to offer for families with younger children.
Thank you for the review. The rules are clearing posted at booking and on the website/planner when it comes to children. Sounds like you did make the most of it.
Thanks for the review. When we sailed last July, they warned us that the kids' camp would not be open and gave us the option of backing out. They also gave us warning that the unvaccinated would not be allowed off the ship unless you were in the bubble tour. Did they not for you? We were aware we would be with our 9-year-old a majority of the cruise while our 13-year-old was able to go to circle c. Of course, this is when my son was vaccinated, and my daughter was not eligible to be vaccinated.
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